Rural Reconstruction

Save and Build is a program of reconstruction for low-oncome rural families. It aims to provide safe, decent homes with proper sanitation facilities for low-income rural families in Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. In an effort to provide a hand up and not a hand out, most Habitat home partner families are provided with a no-interest, affordable loan to cover their construction costs. As partner families repay their loan, these funds are used to build more houses for families in need of safe, decent homes in China.

Project Background

Along with rapid economic development in china, increasing inequality has become a crucial issue, especially between rural and urban areas and Western and Eastern cities. Many low-income populations live in primitive and dangerous houses made of mud bricks. These homes have no sanitation or ventilation facilities and owing to lack of layout planning, are often too close to livestock pens or simply have families and animals living together. This not only make families vulnerable to natural disaster, but also poses serious health hazards. Habitat for Humanity China believes that attaining safe and adequate housing is a crucial factor in breaking the poverty cycle. In addition, many rural communities have no public space for villagers to gather, especially among minority groups. They would benefit from having a venue to ost traditional activities during their festive seasons such as sport competitions, singing and dancing.

How can you get involved?

Support the project costs and recruit volunteers to help with the build. A donation of RMB 30,000 will support 1 home partner in building their house with non-profit loans, and a donation of RMB 94,000 will support the building of a community center with outdoor sport facilities.

What is the impact?

With the reconstruction of new houses and community facilities, villagers, home-partners and their children will have a safe and affordable home to live in. A new home means a fresh start and the opportunity for families to focus on other aspects of their livelihood, such as employment and their children’s education.